Athletics News Release

Union Men Win Battle of Top 20 Teams

JACKSON, Tenn. - 11/26/2004 - The Union University Bulldogs, ranked No. 16 in the NAIA, topped the No. 18 ranked McKendree College Bearcats 67-48 on Friday. Union avenged the loss at McKendree just six days ago. The Bulldogs improved to 6-2 on the season while McKendree falls to 7-2.

The 19-point lead at the end of the game for Union matched the largest lead for the Bulldogs. Union scored the first basket of the game on a jumper by Michael Palmer. McKendree tied the game on two free throws by Bryant Lyles. That would be the only time that McKendree would even with Union as the Bulldogs slowly built a 12-point lead in the first half as they led 24-12 at the eight minute mark. Union took a 28-19 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The second half was much of the same as Union slowed the game, while using clutch shooting and a great defensive effort to add to their lead. In the second period, Union shot .615 from the field , including .667 (2-3) from behind the arc. Union In the game, Union shot .510 from the field includind .333 (3-9) from behind the arc. McKendree managed just .357 from the field, but also made 3-of-9 (.333) from behind the arc.

Union was led in the game by Pierry Valmeria and Ben Frederick with 17 points each. Bruno Martinessi added 10 points in the game. McKendree was led by Mike Strobbe with 10 points and a game high 10 rebounds. Chad Storck also added 10 points for the Bearcats.

Up next for Union will be Faulkner University at 4:00 pm at Union in the final game of the Bulldog Thanksgiving Classic.